I have a couple of comments for you to add to all the wonderful feedback you have received. But first, I've got to restate that you are awesome to have such a proactive attitude towards supporting your brother. This stuff is so horrible that it takes courage to deal with it head on, for ALL of us.

I have been married to a CSA survivor for 20 years. My experience is with a man, therefore. I have no experience with helping a child through this. I have two teenage boys though, and they are definitely still children.

I would REALLY appreciate survivor input on my suggestions to make sure they are OK. My H has OKed them, but I know everyone's experience is different so just to be sure...

First, reading about the subject of CSA would be a helpful step, IMO. You certainly don't have to become an expert, or learn everything there is to know, but if you have enjoyed a childhood free from abuse (as I had) getting an intro into that world might be helpful. It's a cold, dark world.Unfortunately, truth and logic often have almost no bearing on how my H thinks and feels about his abuse... and thus himself. So my use of truth and logic has negligable impact on him. We are speaking different languages.

If your brother does ever choose to share with you, it would probably be good for him if your reaction isn't shock and horror. educating yourself a bit might help with that.

Also, I think me educating myself made it a lot easier for my H to share with me. (not that the goal is for your brother to share, but the goal is that if sharing is what he wants, its available for him). When I found out that my H had been abused, I OFTEN made it clear to him that it didn't affect how I felt about him, and it was true. But the tape inside his head was playing "yeah, but you're only saying that because you dont know what I've been through, if you knew, you would feel differently".He knew I didn't have a clue about his experience so he discounted my proclamations of love and acceptance. Once I started educating myself, that was harder for him to do. You can read everything in the world and never know what it is like to be him, true. But you can read enough to be able to say, "yeah, I know people have been forced to do X, and I KNOW it's not their fault. I know people have gone through Y and I KNOW they are still wonderful and beautiful and lovable.Because I also know it wasn't their fault. I know you can do Z and its not your fault."

I am not saying I think you should tell him everything you are reading, but maybe him knowing THAT you are reading is a start. And then as you demonstrate understanding during conversations, he'll slowly know you really are there for him, rather than you just saying you are. this could be an extremely lengthy process (years?) and will be on his schedule. All you can do is prepare yourself not to fumble if he tosses you the ball.

Second, I think you should make sure you have support for you. This has changed your life too and you need to make sure you have help if you need it. This might just mean one or two visits to the college councellor, but if you need it, do it. It wont help your brother if part of his support system falls apart.

Third, and this is the idea that I'd REALLY like survivors to comment on because I am unsure about it. But, since you are away at college, what about writing him a letter? I know you probably talk to him on the phone and e/mail, but in a letter you could put some of the things he needs to hear (that others have posted) and he can take it out and read it whenever he needs to. For my H, reading that type of information is a lot safer and has more impact than hearing it. In letter form, it can be received as more of a gift.

Third, and this is the idea that I'd REALLY like survivors to comment on because I am unsure about it. But, since you are away at college, what about writing him a letter? I know you probably talk to him on the phone and e/mail, but in a letter you could put some of the things he needs to hear (that others have posted) and he can take it out and read it whenever he needs to. For my H, reading that type of information is a lot safer and has more impact than hearing it. In letter form, it can be received as more of a gift.

This is a great idea. One of my great fears as a boy was that my father didn't love me and would throw me out if he found out I was being abused, and that lingering fear was with me for many years. It made all the difference to me to look at old letters I had received from him, especially the one he wrote to me when I finally struggled through and graduated from college. He said he was proud of me and that my graduation meant the world to him. Talk about a gift!

Much love,Larry

_________________________Nobody living can ever stop meAs I go walking my freedom highway.Nobody living can make me turn back:This land was made for you and me.(Woody Guthrie)

Hey guy,I think LJA has given some great advice from a friend and family persepctive. I really like the idea of the letter thing as he can take it out and read it from time to time and can take time to digest your meaning and suggestions and love. Again you are awesome as a brother and I am so envious ot your love and support for him. He may never know how lucky he is to have you.

I'm fortunate enough to have LJA as my wife, and I also agree with her suggestions, and those of the resident experts on this site. One of the things I wanted to do is emphasize the importance of brothers:

a) Our two oldest children are boys, aged 17 and 14. They are as close as two brothers can be. If one of them was hurting, the very presence of the other would be a strong healing force. I don't know how close you are to your brother, but the fact that you have posted on this site speaks volumes. Don't discount the value of just being there for him.

b) When I disclosed my CSA to my older brother, he said "have a nice life". While this might seem shocking, it now makes sense in the context of him also being abused by our father - he didn't want to deal with it. My point is this; 15 years after being estranged from my entire family of origin, my relationship with my brother is the only one that I mourn. It's not that we were particularly close. I just think that there must be something very primal/instinctive about the need for brotherhood that transcends all bullshit.

BMF

_________________________
If a man's character is to be abused, say what you will, there's nobody like a relation to do the business.- William Makepeace Thackery

I
agree that my access and use of the MaleSurvivor discussion forums and
chat room is subject to the terms of this Agreement. AND the sole
discretion of MaleSurvivor. I agree that my use of MaleSurvivor
resources are AT-WILL,
and that my posting privileges may be terminated at any time, and for
any reason by MaleSurvivor.